The death of R.Niroshkumar, 30, from Chennai, in a wild elephant attack at Karimala early on Monday once again highlights the risks faced by those undertaking the pilgrimage to Sabarimala through the dense forests at night.
He was en route to the Sannidhanam when he was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Karimala. However, fellow pilgrims and forest personnel managed to chase away the pachyderms into the forest interiors.
This is not the first instance of attack on pilgrims by wild animals.
Ratheesh, 19, from Perumbavoor was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Valiyanavattom on the Erumeli-Karimala- Sannidhanam path in December 2012. Two others suffered serious injuries.
Wild elephants raiding camps of pilgrims at Urakkuzhy, near Paandithavalm, and at Nilackal, near Pampa, had been reported during the 41-day Mandalam pilgrim season last year.
Many a time, pachyderms were found straying into the incinerator yard to feed on the sweet and salty waste dumped there.
They stray into the pilgrims’ camps to consume the ash as well as flowers, fruit waste, and other items discarded by the pilgrims.
Pineapple, watermelon, tender coconut, and sugarcane brought by traders to Sabarimala lure elephants to the forest fringes.
There are also reports of merchants dumping watermelon and pineapple waste in the forests, drawing animals to feed on it.
Traders do brisk business selling watermelon and pineapple on the Karimala path, which cuts across dense forests.
The tetra packs of fruit juices and plastic covers found in the intestine of wild elephants during autopsy is a testimony to the health risk posed to the wild fauna in the Sabarimala forests.
Entry restricted
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has decided not to allow pilgrims on the Karimala and Pullumedu routes between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the wake of the fatal attack on the pilgrim.
